We heard that the BBC is widely trusted, with the Chair highlighting the World Service as a clear illustration of the BBC’s global reach and reputation.65 At the same time, the BBC is also focused on strengthening its connection with audiences at home; it described its Across the UK programme as an initiative to move jobs, investment, and creative output beyond London to better serve and represent audiences across all regions and nations of the UK.66 In its Annual Report and Accounts, the BBC framed the programme under “Delivering across the UK” and “Our audiences,” positioning Across the UK as a corporate priority for audience engagement across the nations and regions.67 The BBC 59 BBC Group Annual Report and Accounts 2024–25, p. 113 60 Q 75 61 Q 76 62 Qq 76, 78, 79 63 Q 76 64 Q 79 65 Q 86 66 Qq 72, 73 67 BBC Group Annual Report and Accounts 2024–25, p. 46, 52 16 described the purpose of Across the UK as to “level out our appeal and usage through the UK” ensuring its services remain relevant to audiences in all regions and nations.68